Wild Horse at Sunset: Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve

I had the pleasure of introducing a few members of the Virginia Equine Artists Association (VEAA) to the wild horses of the Rachel Carson Estuarine Reserve yesterday. As sunset neared most of the herd had moved out onto Bird Shoal. While many of the horses had moved a hundred or so yards out onto a sand flats area, a few stayed back near some low dunes. I decided to stay back with the smaller group of animals while most of the group photographed the larger group of horses. I hang back in part to stay out of the way of the people I was guiding, but also because there was an image I’ve had in my mind for quite some time that I hoped might develop. As it were, this was the evening that opportunity was going to happen. I watched as the sun sank lower in the sky, resting just above the top of a small sand dune. In my mind I was urging the horse nearest that dune to walk on top of it. “Please go up there” I thought. “Ease up on top of that dune, please!” Then, just as if this beautiful animal could read my mind, up the dune it went. Stopping between my lens and the setting sun. A few clicks of the camera and then the horse moved over the crest of the dune and out of sight of my camera. It is the moments like these that make time spent in the field worth the effort. I hope the folks from VEAA enjoyed their visit. If you like to learn more about their organization visit the Virgina Equine Artists Association website. Also I’d like to give a quick thank you to Captain Monty of Seavisions Charters and Ecotours for another perfect experience on the water.

3 Comments

Bob,
Thanks for an Amazing trip! It seemed as though it was planned and you ordered the wild horses to be on location at the right time!
to see the 3 babies was really a treat and made for two beautiful days of photography the equines.
Captain Monty was a delight and added to our adventure. Knowing the area and getting us to the islands in safely knowing the Outer Banks and its history so well.
The Inlet Inn you recommended was a a pleasure, Beaufort NC. should be very proud of!
I think I can speak for the VEAA group we all had a delightful time!
BJ Clark VEAA Equine Coodinator

Thank you, Bob, for a very successful and fun trip with the Virginia Equine Artists! Would do it again in a New York minute. Also enjoyed Captain Monty’s history of the area and his ability to deliver us so capably to our destinations.